Published: Monday December 16, 2013 MYT 6:32:00 PM
Updated: Monday December 16, 2013 MYT 9:35:22 PM
Electric stage buses in Malacca from January
The charging ports of an electric bus instead of a petrol tank.
MALACCA: Electric stage buses will ply the streets of Malacca beginning January.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron said Monday that the state government’s subsidiary, Panorama Melaka Sdn Bhd, which would manage the service pending approval by the authorities such as the Land Public Transport Commission, was in the process of completing the last stage of its study to identify suitable routes and reasonable fare rates.
Compared to diesel-run buses, electric buses would save money on maintenance and could help cushion rising fuel costs, he said.
"The initial cost involved is substantial but we believe we would derive long term returns from it," Idris told Bernama here Monday.
Earlier, he spent about 20 minutes test-driving an electric bus around the Melaka International Trade Centre with other senior state government officers including State Secretary Datuk Naim Abu Bakar.
The electric bus can go to a maximum speed of 45km per hour, accommodate 35 passengers and sustain about 400km before needing a recharge. - Bernama
